Understanding sexual and reproductive health among orphaned and separated adolescent girls in five low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Adolescent girls' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a significant public health issue, but little is known about the SRH outcomes of orphaned and separated adolescent girls, who face a higher risk of abuse and neglect in the absence of parental guidance, underscoring the critical need for research. This study examines the SRH outcomes (early pregnancy and condom use) and their predictors among adolescent girls aged 15 to 21 in five low- and middle-income countries, including orphaned and separated children. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 933 participants during the latest round of data collection from a longitudinal cohort study to assess predictors of early pregnancy and condom use. We first used bivariable logistic regression to identify potential predictors of each outcome. Potential predictors included education level, abuse, working status, relationship status, and age. Predictors that were significant (p<=0.10) in crude analyses were added to a multivariable model to assess associations in the presence of other predictors. In bivariable analysis, we found that education, marital status, history of abuse, work status, and age are associated with early pregnancy. However, we did not find a significant association for condom use with any predictors. It should be noted that the findings may be imprecise due to the small sample sizes and exclusion of children under 16 years old. Further research is needed to explore targeted interventions aimed at reducing early pregnancy and promoting condom use. Addressing education, work, and relationship status may enhance the effectiveness of such interventions.